Page "Atlanta Falcons" Paragraph 20

The Falcons finished the 2001 season with a record of 7-9 and missed the playoffs.

Longtime fan favorite LB Jessie Tuggle retired following 14 seasons in Atlanta.

On December 6, 2001, Arthur M. Blank, the co-founder and retired co-chairman of Atlanta-based Home Depot, reached a preliminary agreement with the Falcons ’ Taylor Smith to purchase the team.

In a special meeting prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 2, 2002, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the purchase.